Summary: The gentle mice and other woodland creatures of Redwall Abbey have their peaceful existence shattered by the arrival of Cluny the Scourge and his large vermin army. Cluny lays siege to the abbey forcing the inhabitants to fight for their very lives. The focus of the story is split between the Redwallers’ fight against Cluny and the adventures of a young novice mouse named Matthias. Matthias embarks on a quest to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior which takes him from the depths to the heights of the Abbey and outside its walls in the den of a poisonous serpent. Meanwhile, the Redwallers thwart Cluny’s attempts to break into the Abbey which include tunnels and siege towers. Mathhias, with the help of a few friends, eventually reclaims the sword and returns to defeat Cluny in a final climatic battle for the fate of Redwall.
Impressions: Easily one of best fantasy books I’ve ever read. Though the language is geared towards a younger crowd, readers of all ages will enjoy the genius of Brian Jacques. His deep and complex animal characters are so humanlike that readers will find themselves forgetting that they are in fact not human at all. The action is quick and satisfying and Matthias’ journey from humble novice to seasoned warrior is something special to behold. This book should be part of every library’s collection!
Reviews:
“What on the surface appears to be just another medieval fantasy peopled with animals enacting the fight to the death between good and evil is actually a rich and thought-provoking novel on the nature of good and evil. The peaceful life of the mice of Redwall Abbey is shattered by the onslaught of the fierce rat, Cluny the Scourge, and his army of rats, weasels, and other vermin. The mice and the other peaceful animals take refuge in the Abbey's strong walls while Cluny lays seige. Advantage is with the besieged (as long as food and supplies last), and the Abbey defenders are able to withstand numerous attacks. Cluny cannot be completely defeated, however, until the sword of Martin, the legendary warrior who founded Redwall Abbey, can be found. A young novice, Matthias, embarks on a quest and ultimately finds it, but a wise cat reminds him that it is just a sword. It attained its legendary status because Martin used it only in the defense of right and good. Just as Martin's sword is neither good nor evil, the characters avoid being simply personifications of attributes. The defenders, even Matthias, have faults, while even Cluny displays characteristics which make him not likable, but at least deserving of a grudging admiration. The book is violent, and at some times downright gruesome, but the quality of the writing, the rich cast of characters, the detailed accounts of medieval warfare, and Jacques' ability to tell a good story and make readers think all earn Redwall a place on library shelves.” - Susan M. Harding (School Library Journal)
Harding, S. (1987). Redwall Review. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Redwall-Book-1-Brian-Jacques/dp/product-description/0399231609/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
“What must the Monastic Order of Redwall Mice do when their peaceful, idyllic Abby, noted for its hospitality and serenity, is endangered by a surely, pitiless rat army, spurred on by the vicious, ruthless Cluny the Scourge? Can a reincarnation of Martin the Warrior be found in the young Novice Matthias? Is he the mouse of Cluny's nightmares, who will eventually destroy him and his evil? This is a spellbinding first novel. Courageous Good conquers blatant Evil with staggering verve at a compulsive, cracking pace. It's epic in theme as well as in length (400+ pages). There's plenty of action, suspense and a dash of romance, plus a richly-wrought tapestry of memorable characters. I can't wait to read bits of it to my lower secondary classes.” – David Bennett (Books for Keeps)
Bennett, D. (1988). Redwall Review. Books for Keeps, No. 48. Retrieved from http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~3ueAWT:140
Suggestions for Use in a Library:
Read the book aloud to a group. As you read, ask children to give examples of a small, and seemingly weak character like Matthias who becomes a hero. Ask them if they can predict what Matthias’ next actions will be.
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